The Computer Audiophile Posted May 30, 2017 Share Posted May 30, 2017 Hi Guys - I just received the Stax 009 and your custom headphone amp. It's an awesome combination! Listening for the last three hours non-stop! Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
AudioDoctor Posted May 31, 2017 Share Posted May 31, 2017 Glad you like it Chris! Let us know if we there's any questions you have along the way... No electron left behind. Link to comment
ciamara Posted October 14, 2017 Share Posted October 14, 2017 Chris, Thank you for the kind words! We spent a great deal of time developing the Ciamara HP1. The HP1 is a fully solid state design, which we believe achieves a level of performance that has never been achieved before. We rigorously tested a variety of amplification topologies, power transformers and attenuators to develop the HP1. Anyone who opens the unit will see the quality of parts employed is first-rate. Solid state design? The vast majority of people use vacuum tube-based amplifiers for electrostatic headphones. Some examples are the Woo Audio WES and the Blue Hawaii. Which is better? Simply put, there is no "right" answer. and I would like to avoid that debate here. Both approaches are valid, and both are wonderful in their own right. Some folks prefer tubes. Others prefer solid state. From a technical standpoint, tubes produce harmonics. These are perceived as "fatness" throughout the frequency spectrum. These harmonics are not present on the original recording, but some listeners like this "creamier" sound. Tubes also have variations in the mechanical aspect of assembly, so they are not perfectly phase accurate between two channels. This is perceived as a wider image. Those who desire these effects will like the accuracy of solid state, and visa versa. MOSFETs? Currently we use SANKENs, which test to flawless accuracy, and are dead quiet. This may not appeal to those used to tubes. For tube-lovers, we also offer a MOSFET design. MOSFETs achieve a "tube-like" warmth, without the maintenance and heat of tubes. The "Commercial". We designed the Ciamara HP1 to provide a level of sonic performance that has never been achieved in the solid state domain. This is not a "rival" to the tube designs, but rather another flavor. We are glad you liked it, Chris, and if anyone would like to hear one, we will gladly send you one for a 30-day in-home trial. Thanks for reading! Sanjay Patel | Founder | Ciamara Corporation Sanjay Patel | Ciamara Corporation | New York, NY | www.ciamara.com Link to comment
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